Whitefish Horse Camp
In Deschutes National Forest, Whitefish Horse Campground offers visitors some of the most stunning scenery in central Oregon and easy access to an abundance of recreational activities in the Cascade region.
A favorite among horse enthusiasts, the campground looks out onto the waters of Crescent Lake. With snow-capped peaks, high elevation lakes, scenic rivers, and several wilderness areas located nearby, this campground offers visitors the opportunity to experience both the serene and wild aspects of central Oregon.
The campground has 17 large equestrian sites, each equipped with double or quadruple metal corrals. Sites 008, 013 and 018 have four horse stalls, while all the others have two horse stalls.
Picnic tables, campfire rings/grills, and ample room for parking vehicles and trailers are available at each site. Drinking water is also available, as is access to vault toilets.
Horse campgrounds have been designed to accommodate people who need to corral their horses. With a limited number of these kinds of campgrounds, please consider camping in one of the many other campgrounds nearby if you do not have a horse.
This horse camp is open usually by Memorial Day, or after snow levels recede. It stays open until snow blocks the road, typically around Thanksgiving. However, water and host services may not be provided after early October.
Need to Know
Whitefish Horse Camp is intended for use by campers with horses. Horses must be kept in stalls provided
Horse Campers must use Certified Weed-Seed-Free Hay when staying at any USFS Horse Campground. Horse trails are accessible from this campground
- Prevent the spread of invasive species by inspecting and cleaning packs, equipment, and tires before using lake or trails
Please Note: One RV with tow vehicle per single site or one vehicle per tent site. Most sites can accommodate 1 extra vehicle that is not included with the reservation fee. Extra vehicle will be charged a per night fee and collected at the campground.
Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.
During your time in Central Oregon, you can find wildfire, prescribed fire and smoke information at centraloregonfire.org
Reserved Sites will be held until check out time (NOON) the day following your arrival date. Sites must be occupied by the checkout time of that following day to hold a reservation or the site will be forfeited and released to other guests.
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
Refunds: Refund requests made through www.recreation.gov will be charged a $10 processing fee. This fee is retained by the reservation service contractor along with the non-refundable reservation fee. All requests for the return of the non-refundable reservation fee and the cancellation fee will be declined by the campground concessionaire as they did not receive these fees (these are the fees retained by the reservation contractor, a different entity).
- Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.
Click here for more information about Deschutes National Forest.
Camping or otherwise occupying a single location (including leaving camping equipment and/or related supplies) for a period longer than 14 consecutive calendar days is prohibited. ‘Location’ means the occupied area, the occupied campsite, and the National Forest System lands in the immediate vicinity thereof. Camping or occupying any location on all National Forest lands for more than 28 calendar days total during a calendar year is prohibited.
Natural Features
Cresent Lake is nestled in a naturally glaciated basin behind a moraine dam, east of the towering Cascade Mountain Range. Its brilliant blue-green water, sandy beaches, and water temperature are exceptional for a high-elevation lake.
The area provides habitat for mammals such as mule deer, coyote, and cougar. Migratory birds and native fish also call the area home. These species, along with many others, depend on surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams, and diverse forests to live.
Nearby Attractions
Visitors can explore wilderness areas, wild and scenic rivers, lakes and reservoirs, and approximately 1,600 miles of trails in the 2.5 million-acre Deschutes National Forest and adjacent Ochoco National Forest.
Lava Lands Visitor Center in Bend, Oregon, is a great starting point for visitors to learn about the diverse landscape and history of the area through interpretive programs and exhibits.
Visitors may also enjoy traveling the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. The 66-mile drive through the Cascade Mountain range, weaves through snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes, highlighting the beauty of central Oregon.
Recreation
A favorite among horse enthusiasts, the campground provides visitors with access to a variety of trails. Lakes, lava flows, and forested areas provide the backdrop for many of these rides.
Whitefish Creel Trail is popular with both hikers and horseback riders. This trail can be accessed from the west end of Crescent Lake and follows Whitefish Creek up through lodgepole pines to a beautiful view of Diamond Peak at Diamond View Lake. From there, the trail descends along Trapper Creek through Engelmann spruce and white fir to the west end of Odell Lake.
Equestrians may want to traverse at least a portion of the spectacular Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), one of America's premier National Scenic Trails. This trail showcases some of North America's most fantastic scenery, winding its way its way from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon and Washington. Portions of the trail traverse Diamond Peak at timberline. Wilderness passes are required for this trail.
Changes & Cancellations
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
Contact Information
Default
PO BOX 208 CRESCENT OR 97733
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 541-323-1746
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From I-5, take exit 188A towards Oakridge, continue on Hwy 58 for 69.3 miles, then turn right at NF Road 60 and continue for 2.2 miles. Turn right at Crescent Lake Road and continue for 1.2 miles. Make a slight right at NF Road 60 and travel for 3.5 miles to your destination on the left.
From La Pine, travel south on Hwy 97 for 17.5 miles, then turn right at the Crescent Cutoff Road, continuing for 11.9 miles. Turn right at Hwy 58 and travel for about 2 miles, before turning left at NF Road 60. Continue for 2.2 miles, then turn right at Crescent Lake Road. Go 1.2 miles, make a slight right at NF Road 60, and continue 3.5 miles to your destination on the left.
Available Campsites
- Site 015, Loop AREA WHITEFISH HORSE CAMP, Type Equestrian Nonelectric
- Site 005, Loop AREA WHITEFISH HORSE CAMP, Type Equestrian Nonelectric
- Site 010, Loop AREA WHITEFISH HORSE CAMP, Type Equestrian Nonelectric
- Site 017, Loop AREA WHITEFISH HORSE CAMP, Type Equestrian Nonelectric
- Site 016, Loop AREA WHITEFISH HORSE CAMP, Type Equestrian Nonelectric
- Site 002, Loop AREA WHITEFISH HORSE CAMP, Type Equestrian Nonelectric
- Site 013, Loop AREA WHITEFISH HORSE CAMP, Type Equestrian Nonelectric
- Site 006, Loop AREA WHITEFISH HORSE CAMP, Type Equestrian Nonelectric
- Site 004, Loop AREA WHITEFISH HORSE CAMP, Type Equestrian Nonelectric
- Site 009, Loop AREA WHITEFISH HORSE CAMP, Type Equestrian Nonelectric
- Site 014, Loop AREA WHITEFISH HORSE CAMP, Type Equestrian Nonelectric
- Site 019, Loop AREA WHITEFISH HORSE CAMP, Type Equestrian Nonelectric
- Site 007, Loop AREA WHITEFISH HORSE CAMP, Type Equestrian Nonelectric
- Site 011, Loop AREA WHITEFISH HORSE CAMP, Type Equestrian Nonelectric
- Site 018, Loop AREA WHITEFISH HORSE CAMP, Type Equestrian Nonelectric
- Site 008, Loop AREA WHITEFISH HORSE CAMP, Type Equestrian Nonelectric
- Site 012, Loop AREA WHITEFISH HORSE CAMP, Type Equestrian Nonelectric
